AUBURN, Ala. — Practicing common sense on social media networks is something that should come as second nature to Auburn’s football players by now.

Even so, they still receive constant reminders from the coaching staff about watching what they post, be it something controversial in nature or would provide the dreaded “bulletin board” material for an opponent.

“Coach (Gus) Malzahn mentioned that (Sunday) and said pretty much ‘Don’t post anything,’” tight end C.J. Uzomah said. “He said, ‘If you have to even think about it, don’t post it. If you have to (go) ‘I wonder?’ Nope, just stop, just erase everything, get off of Twitter, and go to sleep or something.’”

Dee Ford said he’s never had that problem.

How does the senior defensive end avert any potential issues?

Easy.

He said he sticks to posting “motivational” quotes only.

“I never really tweet anything personal,” he said. “I’ve always done that — just to keep myself out of trouble. I just post pictures. I never really post anything I’m personally thinking. That’s a big mistake.”

Sometimes, this process works in reverse — with social media outlets providing a means to set the record straight or put an end to contrived squabbles — as Tre Mason proved Wednesday night. During his meeting with reporters on Tuesday, the junior running back was asked about his thoughts on Alabama’s top-ranked rushing defense and how Auburn’s imposing ground game would fare when the two squared off Saturday.

War Eagle Extra

Mike Niziolek joins the Ledger-Enquirer after spending the past three years with MLive.com. The past year he covered Eastern Michigan University athletics, including football and recruiting. He also filled in as a backup writer for the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and University of Michigan. Mike is a 2004 graduate of Michigan State.